About Poinsettias

 This is that time of year: the season to decorate the house for the holiday. The season when the stores are full of all those pulchritudinous poinsettias……

 So, did you know —- ?

 

  • Its scientific name, Euphorbia pulcherrima means “very beautiful euphorbia”!
  • It is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. ( United States in 1825.)
  • The “petals” are actually bracts – specially adapted colored leaves that help attract pollinators in its native Mexico/Central America (where it is commonly found as a shrub – it has been bred into its more compact form over the years.)
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